Community dynamics and metagenomic analyses reveal Bacteroidota's role in widespread enzymatic Fucus vesiculosus cell wall degradation

Enzymatic degradation of algae cell wall carbohydrates by microorganisms is under increasing investigation as marine organic matter gains more value as a sustainable resource. The fate of carbon in the marine ecosystem is in part driven by these degradation processes. In this study, we observe the microbiome dynamics of the macroalga Fucus vesiculosus in 25-day-enrichment cultures resulting in partial degradation of the brown algae. Microbial community analyses revealed the phylum Pseudomonadota as the main bacterial fraction dominated by the genera Marinomonas and Vibrio. More importantly, a metagenome-based Hidden Markov model for specific glycosyl hydrolyses and sulphatases identified Bacteroidota as the phylum with the highest potential for cell wall degradation, contrary to their low abundance. For experimental verification, we cloned, expressed, and biochemically characterised two α-L-fucosidases, FUJM18 and FUJM20. While protein structure predictions suggest the highest similarity to a Bacillota origin, protein-protein blasts solely showed weak similarities to defined Bacteroidota proteins. Both enzymes were remarkably active at elevated temperatures and are the basis for a potential synthetic enzyme cocktail for large-scale algal destruction.

Application of Feature-Based Molecular Networking for Comparative Metabolomics and Targeted Isolation of Stereoisomers from Algicolous Fungi

Seaweed endophytic (algicolous) fungi are talented producers of bioactive natural products. We have previously isolated two strains of the endophytic fungus, Pyrenochaetopsis sp. FVE-001 and FVE-087, from the thalli of the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus. Initial chemical studies yielded four new decalinoylspirotetramic acid derivatives with antimelanoma activity, namely pyrenosetins A-C (1-3) from Pyrenochaetopsis sp. strain FVE-001, and pyrenosetin D (4) from strain FVE-087. In this study, we applied a comparative metabolomics study employing HRMS/MS based feature-based molecular networking (FB MN) on both Pyrenochaetopsis strains. A higher chemical capacity in production of decalin derivatives was observed in Pyrenochaetopsis sp. FVE-087. Notably, several decalins showed different retention times despite the same MS data and MS/MS fragmentation pattern with the previously isolated pyrenosetins, indicating they may be their stereoisomers. FB MN-based targeted isolation studies coupled with antimelanoma activity testing on the strain FVE-087 afforded two new stereoisomers, pyrenosetins E (5) and F (6). Extensive NMR spectroscopy including DFT computational studies, HR-ESIMS, and Mosher's ester method were used in the structure elucidation of compounds 5 and 6. The 3'R,5'R stereochemistry determined for compound 6 was identical to that previously reported for pyrenosetin C (3), whose stereochemistry was revised as 3'S,5'R in this study. Pyrenosetin E (5) inhibited the growth of human malignant melanoma cells (A-375) with an IC50 value of 40.9 μM, while 6 was inactive. This study points out significant variations in the chemical repertoire of two closely related fungal strains and the versatility of FB MN in identification and targeted isolation of stereoisomers. It also confirms that the little-known fungal genus Pyrenochaetopsis is a prolific source of complex decalinoylspirotetramic acid derivatives.

Bremerella alba sp. nov., a novel planctomycete isolated from the surface of the macroalga Fucus spiralis

A bacterial strain, designated FF15T, was isolated from the thallus surface of the macroalga Fucus spiralis sampled on a rocky beach in Porto, Portugal. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain FF15T was affiliated to the phylum Planctomycetes. This strain forms white colonies on modified M13 medium and the cells are pear-shaped, can form rosettes, divide by polar budding and are motile. The novel isolate is mesophilic and neutrophilic with an optimum growth temperature of about 30 °C and an optimum pH for growth between 6.5 and 7.5. It showed growth over a broad range of salinities (0-9% NaCl - optimum at 1.5%). No additional vitamins are required for growth. It is cytochrome c oxidase and catalase positive. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone 6 (MK-6). Genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 6.37 Mbp and a DNA G + C content of 54.2%. Analysis of phylogenetic markers, including similarities of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, rpoB gene sequence, as well as Percentage of Conserved Proteins (POCP), Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) and Average Amino Acid Identity (AAI), suggest the affiliation of strain FF15T to "Bremerella", a recently described genus in the family Pirellulaceae. Based on the genotypic, phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, physiological and biochemical characterization, we described a new species represented by strain FF15T (=CECT 8078T = LMG 31936T), for which we propose the name Bremerella alba snov.

Pseudooceanicola algae sp. nov., isolated from the marine macroalga Fucus spiralis, shows genomic and physiological adaptations for an algae-associated lifestyle

The genus Pseudooceanicola from the alphaproteobacterial Roseobacter group currently includes ten validated species. We herein describe strain Lw-13eT, the first Pseudooceanicola species from marine macroalgae, isolated from the brown alga Fucus spiralis abundant at European and North American coasts. Physiological and pangenome analyses of Lw-13eT showed corresponding adaptive features. Adaptations to the tidal environment include a broad salinity tolerance, degradation of macroalgae-derived substrates (mannitol, mannose, proline), and resistance to several antibiotics and heavy metals. Notably, Lw-13eT can degrade oligomeric alginate via PL15 alginate lyase encoded in a polysaccharide utilization locus (PUL), rarely described for roseobacters to date. Plasmid localization of the PUL strengthens the importance of mobile genetic elements for evolutionary adaptations within the Roseobacter group. PL15 homologs were primarily detected in marine plant-associated metagenomes from coastal environments but not in the open ocean, corroborating its adaptive role in algae-rich habitats. Exceptional is the tolerance of Lw-13eT against the broad-spectrum antibiotic tropodithietic acid, produced by Phaeobacter spp. co-occurring in coastal habitats. Furthermore, Lw-13eT exhibits features resembling terrestrial plant-bacteria associations, i.e. biosynthesis of siderophores, terpenes and volatiles, which may contribute to mutual bacteria-algae interactions. Closest described relative of Lw-13eT is Pseudopuniceibacterium sediminis CY03T with 98.4% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. However, protein sequence-based core genome phylogeny and average nucleotide identity indicate affiliation of Lw-13eT with the genus Pseudooceanicola. Based on phylogenetic, physiological and (chemo)taxonomic distinctions, we propose strain Lw-13eT (=DSM 29013T=LMG 30557T) as a novel species with the name Pseudooceanicola algae.

Pyrenosetins A-C, New Decalinoylspirotetramic Acid Derivatives Isolated by Bioactivity-Based Molecular Networking from the Seaweed-Derived Fungus Pyrenochaetopsis sp. FVE-001

Marine algae represent a prolific source of filamentous fungi for bioprospecting. In continuation of our search for new anticancer leads from fungi derived from the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus, an endophytic Pyrenochaetopsis sp. FVE-001 was selected for an in-depth chemical analysis. The crude fungal extract inhibited several cancer cell lines in vitro, and the highest anticancer activity was tracked to its CHCl3-soluble portion. A bioactivity-based molecular networking approach was applied to C18-SPE fractions of the CHCl3 subextract to predict the bioactivity scores of metabolites in the fractions and to aid targeted purification of anticancer metabolites. This approach led to a rapid isolation of three new decalinoylspirotetramic acid derivatives, pyrenosetins A-C (1-3) and the known decalin tetramic acid phomasetin (4). The structures of the compounds were elucidated by extensive NMR, HR-ESIMS, FT-IR spectroscopy, [α]D and Mosher's ester method. Compounds 1 and 2 showed high anticancer activity against malignant melanoma cell line A-375 (IC50 values 2.8 and 6.3 μM, respectively), in line with the bioactivity predictions. This is the first study focusing on secondary metabolites of a marine-derived Pyrenochaetopsis sp. and the second investigation performed on the member of the genus Pyrenochaetopsis.

Sulfated steroids of Halichondriidae family sponges - Natural inhibitors of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes of bacterium Formosa algae, inhabiting brown alga Fucus evanescens

Inhibiting effects of sulfated steroids from marine sponges of Halichondriidae family: halistanol sulfate, topsentiasterol sulfate D and chlorotopsentiasterol sulfate D were investigated on three different types of enzymes degrading polysaccharides of brown algae: endo-1,3-β-d-glucanase GFA, fucoidan hydrolase FFA2 and bifunctional alginate lyase ALFA3 from marine bacterium Formosa algae KMM 3553T, inhabiting thalli of brown alga Fucus evanescens. This is the first research, devoted to influence of a marine natural compound on three functionally related enzymes that make up the complex of enzymes, necessary to degrade unique carbohydrate components of brown algae. Alginic acid, 1,3-β-D-glucan (laminaran) and fucoidan jointly constitute practically all carbohydrate biomass of brown algae, so enzymes, able to degrade such polysaccharides, are crucial for digesting brown algae biomass as well as for organisms surviving and proliferating on brown algae thalli. Halistanol sulfate irreversibly inhibited native endo-1,3-β-D-glucanases of marine mollusks, but reversibly competitively inhibited recombinant endo-1,3-β-d-glucanase GFA. This fact indicates that there are significant structural differences between the enzymes of practically the same specificity. For alginate lyase and fucoidan hydrolase halistanol sulfate was irreversible inhibitor. Topsentiasterol sulfate D was less active inhibitor whereas chlorotopsentiasterol sulfate D was the strongest inhibitor of enzymes under the study. Chlorotopsentiasterol sulfate D caused 98% irreversible inhibition of GFA. Chlorotopsentiasterol sulfate D also caused reversible and 100% inhibition of ALFA3, which is unusual for reversible inhibitors. Inhibition of FFA2 was complete and irreversible in all cases.

Mapping the Surface Microbiome and Metabolome of Brown Seaweed Fucus vesiculosus by Amplicon Sequencing, Integrated Metabolomics and Imaging Techniques

The brown alga Fucus vesiculosus is a keystone marine species, which is subject to heavy surface colonisation. This study was designed to analyse the surface epibiome of F. vesiculosus in conjunction with the composition and spatial distribution of its surface metabolome. The amplicon sequencing, SEM and CARD-FISH imaging studies showed Alphaproteobacteria to predominate the epibiotic bacteria. Fungi of the class Eurotiomycetes were visualised for the first time on an algal surface. An untargeted metabolomics approach using molecular networks, in silico prediction and manual dereplication showed the differential metabolome of the surface and the whole tissue extracts. In total, 50 compounds were putatively dereplicated by UPLC-MS/MS, 37 of which were previously reported from both seaweeds and microorganisms. Untargeted spatial metabolomics by DESI-Imaging MS identified the specific localisation and distribution of various primary and secondary metabolites on surface imprints and in algal cross sections. The UPLC-MS, DESI-IMS and NMR analyses failed to confirm the presence of any surface-associated metabolite, except for mannitol, which were previously reported from F. vesiculosus. This is the first study analysing the seaweed surface microbiome in conjunction with untargeted surface metabolomics and spatial metabolomics approaches.

Influence of OSMAC-Based Cultivation in Metabolome and Anticancer Activity of Fungi Associated with the Brown Alga Fucus vesiculosus

The fungi associated with marine algae are prolific sources of metabolites with high chemical diversity and bioactivity. In this study, we investigated culture-dependent fungal communities associated with the Baltic seaweed Fucus vesiculosus. Altogether, 55 epiphytic and endophytic fungi were isolated and identified. Twenty-six strains were selected for a small-scale One-Strain-Many-Compounds (OSMAC)-based fermentation in four media under solid and liquid culture regimes. In total, 208 fungal EtOAc extracts were tested for anticancer activity and general cytotoxicity. Ten most active strains (i.e., 80 extracts) were analyzed for their metabolome by molecular networking (MN), in-silico MS/MS fragmentation analysis (ISDB⁻UNPD), and manual dereplication. Thirty-six metabolites belonging to 25 chemical families were putatively annotated. The MN clearly distinguished the impact of culture conditions in chemical inventory and anticancer activity of the fungal extracts that was often associated with general toxicity. The bioactivity data were further mapped into MN to seek metabolites, exclusively expressed in the active extracts. This is the first report of cultivable fungi associated with the Baltic F. vesiculosus that combined an OSMAC and an integrated MN-based untargeted metabolomics approaches for efficient assessment and visualization of the impact of the culture conditions on chemical space and anticancer potential of the fungi.

Rhodobacteraceae on the marine brown alga Fucus spiralis are abundant and show physiological adaptation to an epiphytic lifestyle

Macroalgae harbour specific microbial communities on their surface that have functions related to host health and defence. In this study, the bacterial biofilm of the marine brown alga Fucus spiralis was investigated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon-based analysis and isolation of bacteria. Rhodobacteraceae (Alphaproteobacteria) were the predominant family constituting 23% of the epibacterial community. At the genus level, Sulfitobacter, Loktanella, Octadecabacter and a previously undescribed cluster were most abundant, and together they comprised 89% of the Rhodobacteraceae. Supported by a specific PCR approach, 23 different Rhodobacteraceae-affiliated strains were isolated from the surface of F. spiralis, which belonged to 12 established and three new genera. For seven strains, closely related sequences were detected in the 16S rRNA gene dataset. Growth experiments with substrates known to be produced by Fucus spp. showed that all of them were consumed by at least three strains, and vitamin B12 was produced by 70% of the isolates. Since growth of F. spiralis depends on B12 supplementation, bacteria may provide the alga with this vitamin. Most strains produced siderophores, which can enhance algal growth under iron-deficient conditions. Inhibiting properties against other bacteria were only observed when F. spiralis material was present in the medium. Thus, the physiological properties of the isolates indicated adaption to an epiphytic lifestyle.

Natural resource landscapes of a marine bacterium reveal distinct fitness-determining genes across the genome

Heterotrophic bacteria exploit diverse microhabitats in the ocean, from particles to transient gradients. Yet the degree to which genes and pathways can contribute to an organism's fitness on such complex and variable natural resource landscapes remains poorly understood. Here, we determine the gene-by-gene fitness of a generalist saprophytic marine bacterium (Vibrio sp. F13 9CS106) on complex resources derived from its natural habitats - copepods (Apocyclops royi) and brown algae (Fucus vesiculosus) - and as reference substrates, glucose and the polysaccharide alginate, derived from brown algal cell walls. We find that resource complexity strongly buffers fitness costs of mutations, and that anabolic rather than catabolic pathways are more stringently required, likely due to functional redundancy in the latter. Moreover, while carbohydrate-rich algae requires several synthesis pathways, protein-rich Apocyclops does not, suggesting this ancestral habitat for Vibrios is a replete medium with metabolically redundant substrates. We also identify a candidate fitness trade-off for algal colonization: deletion of mshA increases mutant fitness. Our results demonstrate that gene fitness depends on habitat composition, and suggest that this generalist uses distinct resources in different natural habitats. The results further indicate that substrate replete conditions may lead to relatively relaxed selection on catabolic genes.

Epiphytic bacterial communities of the alga Fucus vesiculosus in oil-contaminated water areas of the Barents Sea

Taxonomic compositions of epiphytic bacterial communities in water areas differing in levels of oil pollution were revealed. In total, 82 bacterial genera belonging to 16 classes and 11 phyla were detected. All detected representatives of epiphytic bacterial communities belonged to the phyla Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Acidobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, and Fusobacteria and candidate division TM7. The ratio of the phyla in the communities varied depending on the levels of oil pollution. New data on taxonomic composition of uncultivated epiphytic bacterial communities of Fucus vesiculosus were obtained.

Complete genome of brown algal polysaccharides-degrading Pseudoalteromonas issachenkonii KCTC 12958(T) (=KMM 3549(T))

Pseudoalteromonas issachenkonii is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, flagellated, aerobic, chemoorganotrophic marine bacterium that was isolated from the thallus of Fucus evanescens (marine brown macroalgae) sampled from the Kraternaya Bight of the Kurile Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Here, we report the complete genome of P. issachenkonii KCTC 12958(T) (=KMM 3549(T)=LMG 19697(T)=CIP 106858(T)), which consists of 4,131,541 bp (G+C content of 40.3%) with two chromosomes, 3538 protein-coding genes, 102 tRNAs and 8 rRNA operons. Several genes related to glycoside hydrolases, proteases, and bacteriolytic- and hemolytic activities were detected in the genome that help explain how the strain mediates degradation of algal cell wall and decomposes algal polysaccharides into industrially applicable products.

Defence chemistry modulation by light and temperature shifts and the resulting effects on associated epibacteria of Fucus vesiculosus

The goals of this study were (1) to investigate whether Fucus vesiculosus regulates the production of its antifouling defence chemicals against epibacteria in response to light limitation and temperature shifts and (2) to investigate if different surface concentrations of defence compounds shape epibacterial communities. F. vesiculosus was incubated in indoor mesocosms at five different temperature conditions (5 to 25°C) and in outdoor mesocosms under six differently reduced sunlight conditions (0 to 100%), respectively. Algal surface concentrations of previously identified antifouling compounds--dimethylsulphopropionate (DMSP), fucoxanthin and proline--were determined and the bacterial community composition was characterized by in-depth sequencing of the 16S-rRNA gene. Altogether, the effect of different treatment levels upon defence compound concentrations was limited. Under all conditions DMSP alone appeared to be sufficiently concentrated to warrant for at least a partial inhibitory action against epibiotic bacteria of F. vesiculosus. In contrast, proline and fucoxanthin rarely reached the necessary concentration ranges for self-contained inhibition. Nonetheless, in both experiments along with the direct influence of temperature and light, all three compounds apparently affected the overall bacterial community composition associated with F. vesiculosus since tendencies for insensitivity towards all three compounds were observed among bacterial taxa that typically dominate those communities. Given that the concentrations of at least one of the compounds (in most cases DMSP) were always high enough to inhibit bacterial settlement, we conclude that the capacity of F. vesiculosus for such defence will hardly be compromised by shading or warming to temperatures up to 25°C.

Salinity affects compositional traits of epibacterial communities on the brown macroalga Fucus vesiculosus

Epibiotic biofilms have the potential to control major aspects of the biology and ecology of their hosts. Their composition and function may thus be essential for the health of the host. We tested the influence of salinity on the composition of epibacterial communities associated with the brown macroalga Fucus vesiculosus. Algal individuals were incubated at three salinities (5, 19, and 25) for 14 days and nonliving reference substrata (stones) were included in the experiment. Subsequently, the composition of their surface-associated bacterial communities was analyzed by 454 pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene sequences. Redundancy analysis revealed that the composition of epiphytic and epilithic communities significantly differed and were both affected by salinity. We found that 5% of 2494 epiphytic operational taxonomic units at 97% sequence similarity were responsible for the observed shifts. Epibacterial α-diversity was significantly lower at salinity 5 but did not differ between substrata. Our results indicate that salinity is an important factor in structuring alga-associated epibacterial communities with respect to composition and/or diversity. Whether direct or indirect mechanisms (via altered biotic interactions) may have been responsible for the observed shifts is discussed.

Seasonal variation in the antifouling defence of the temperate brown alga Fucus vesiculosus

The important role of marine epibiotic biofilms in the interactions of the host with its environment has been acknowledged recently. Previous studies with the temperate brown macroalga Fucus vesiculosus have identified polar and non-polar compounds recovered from the algal surface that have the potential to control such biofilms. Furthermore, both the fouling pressure and the composition of the epibiotic bacterial communities on this macroalga varied seasonally. The extent to which this reflects a seasonal fluctuation of the fouling control mechanisms of the host is, however, unexplored in an ecological context. The present study investigated seasonal variation in the anti-settlement activity of surface extracts of F. vesiculosus against eight biofilm-forming bacteria isolated from rockweed-dominated habitats, including replication of two populations from two geographically distant sites. The anti-settlement activity at both sites was found to vary temporally, reaching a peak in summer/autumn. Anti-settlement activity also showed a consistent and strong difference between sites throughout the year. This study is the first to report temporal variation of antifouling defence originating from ecologically relevant surface-associated compounds.

Compounds associated with algal surfaces mediate epiphytic colonization of the marine macroalga Fucus vesiculosus

The macroalga Fucus vesiculosus carries a specific community of surface bacteria. To identify chemical compounds that possibly mediate abundance and community composition of algae-associated bacteria, we tested the effect of surface-available algal compounds on bacterial settlement and community composition under field conditions. Compounds on algal thalli were separated from the surface by extraction with organic solvents and investigated on growth inhibition and settlement of bacterial isolates. Based on in vitro data, partially purified extract fractions were then exposed to bacterial colonizers in vivo followed by bacterial enumeration and community analysis. The polar fraction of the algal surface extract revealed a significant profouling effect for Vibrionales, whereas the nonpolar fraction - containing the xanthophyll pigment fucoxanthin and other unidentified nonpolar surface compounds - revealed a significant 80% reduction of surface colonizing bacteria. The analysis of bacterial surface communities by 454 pyrosequencing demonstrated that the antifouling activity of nonpolar algal surface compounds was targeting the abundance of natural bacterial colonizers rather than the relative composition of bacterial members within the community. Moreover, the bacterial community composition on F. vesiculosus was markedly different from artificial control substrates and chemically manipulated experimental treatments, suggesting that other, nonextractable surface features and/or physical properties render algal-specific epiphytic bacterial communities.

Temperature-driven shifts in the epibiotic bacterial community composition of the brown macroalga Fucus vesiculosus

The thallus surface of the brown macroalga Fucus vesiculosus is covered by a specific biofilm community. This biofilm supposedly plays an important role in the interaction between host and environment. So far, we know little about compositional or functional shifts of this epibiotic bacterial community under changing environmental conditions. In this study, the response of the microbiota to different temperatures with respect to cell density and community composition was analyzed by nonculture-based methods (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene). Redundancy analysis showed that despite high variability among host individuals temperature accounted for 20% of the variation in the bacterial community composition, whereas cell density did not differ between groups. Across all samples, 4341 bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at a 97% similarity level were identified. Eight percent of OTUs were significantly correlated with low, medium, and high temperatures. Notably, the family Rhodobacteraceae increased in relative abundance from 20% to 50% with increasing temperature. OTU diversity (evenness and richness) was higher at 15 °C than at the lower and higher temperatures. Considering their known and presumed ecological functions for the host, change in the epibacterial community may entail shifts in the performance of the host alga.

A protective coat of microorganisms on macroalgae: inhibitory effects of bacterial biofilms and epibiotic microbial assemblages on barnacle attachment

Effects of epibiotic bacteria associated with macroalgae on barnacle larval attachment were investigated. Eight bacterial isolates obtained from samples of three macroalga species were cultured as monospecies bacterial films and tested for their activity against barnacle (Amphibalanus improvisus) attachment in field experiments (Western Baltic Sea). Furthermore, natural biofilm communities associated with the surface of the local brown alga, Fucus vesiculosus, which were exposed to different temperatures (5, 15 and 20 °C), were harvested and subsequently tested. Generally, monospecies bacterial biofilms, as well as natural microbial assemblages, inhibited barnacle attachment by 20-67%. denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis fingerprints showed that temperature treatment shifted the bacterial community composition and weakened the repellent effects at 20 °C. Repellent effects were absent when settlement pressure of cyprids was high. Nonviable bacteria tended to repel cyprids when compared to the unfilmed surfaces. We conclude that biofilms can have a repellent effect benefiting the host by preventing heavy fouling on its surface. However, severe settlement pressure, as well as stressful temperature, may reduce the protective effects of the alga's biofilm. Our results add to the notion that the performance of F. vesiculosus may be reduced by multiple stressors in the course of global warming.

Dimethylsulphopropionate (DMSP) and proline from the surface of the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus inhibit bacterial attachment

It was demonstrated previously that polar and non-polar surface extracts of the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus collected during winter from the Kiel Bight (Germany) inhibited bacterial attachment at natural concentrations. The present study describes the bioassay-guided identification of the active metabolites from the polar fraction. Chromatographic separation on a size-exclusion liquid chromatography column and bioassays identified an active fraction that was further investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. This fraction contained the metabolites dimethylsulphopropionate (DMSP), proline and alanine. DMSP and proline caused the anti-attachment activity. The metabolites were further quantified on the algal surface together with its associated boundary layer. DMSP and proline were detected in the range 0.12-1.08 ng cm(-2) and 0.09-0.59 ng cm(-2), respectively. These metabolites were tested in the concentration range from 0.1 to 1000 ng cm(-2) against the attachment of five bacterial strains isolated from algae and sediment co-occurring with F. vesiculosus. The surface concentrations for 50% inhibition of attachment of these strains were always <0.38 ng cm(-2) for DMSP and in four cases <0.1 ng cm(-2) for proline, while one strain required 1.66 ng cm(-2) of proline for 50% inhibition. Two further bacterial strains that had been directly isolated from F. vesiculosus were also tested, but proved to be the least sensitive. This study shows that DMSP and proline have an ecologically relevant role as surface inhibitors against bacterial attachment on F. vesiculosus.

Surface-associated fucoxanthin mediates settlement of bacterial epiphytes on the rockweed Fucus vesiculosus

The chemical defence against microfouling in the brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus was investigated and an inhibitor of bacterial settlement was isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation of non-polar surface extracts. UV-vis and mass spectrometry were used to identify the compound as the carotenoid fucoxanthin. The metabolite was tested at the natural concentration (in a surface volume based assay) against the settlement of four bacterial strains isolated from F. vesiculosus and 11 strains isolated from co-occurring algae and marine sediment. Surface concentrations between 1.4 and 6 μg cm(-2) resulted in 50% inhibition of four of these isolates, which were studied in more detail using a surface area-based assay, while a fifth isolate proved to be less sensitive. The presence of fucoxanthin on the surface of F. vesiculosus was demonstrated with two different surface extraction methods. Fucoxanthin was detected at concentrations between 0.7 and 9 μg cm(-2) on the algal surface. Fucoxanthin was still present at the algal surface after removal of associated diatoms through mechanical cleaning and germanium dioxide treatment and was thus mainly produced by F. vesiculosus rather than by diatoms. Thus, the photosynthetic pigment fucoxanthin appears to be ecologically relevant as a surface-associated antimicrobial agent, acting against the settlement of bacteria on the surface of the macroalga F. vesiculosus.

Isolated thallus-associated compounds from the macroalga Fucus vesiculosus mediate bacterial surface colonization in the field similar to that on the natural alga

This study investigated whether surface-associated compounds isolated from the macroalga Fucus vesiculosus had the potential to mediate microbial and/or macrobial epibiosis similar to that on the natural alga. To selectively yield thallus-associated compounds and avoid contamination by intracellular algal compounds, cell lysis was monitored by surface microscopy of algal cells and chemical profiling of algal surface extracts by coupled gas chromatography mass spectroscopy. The optimized extraction resulted in polar and non-polar algal surface extracts. The non-polar surface extract was immobilized in hydrogel, the polar surface extract was homogeneously perfused through the gel to ensure a temporally constant delivery of polar extract components. During a 7 day field trial, bacterial biofilms were formed on control gels and gels featuring polar and/or non-polar extract components. PERMANOVA revealed that bacterial community profiles on controls and on gels featuring polar or non-polar extract were significantly different from the profile on F. vesiculosus, while the profile on the gels bearing both polar and non-polar extracts was not. Moreover, the polar surface extracts inhibited the settlement of barnacle cyprids. Considering the pronounced effects of bacterial biofilms on invertebrate larval settlement, these results suggest that algal surface chemistry affects macrofouling not only directly but also indirectly, via its control of biofilm formation and composition.

Detection and identification of fungi intimately associated with the brown seaweed Fucus serratus

The filamentous fungi associated with healthy and decaying Fucus serratus thalli were studied over a 1-year period using isolation methods and molecular techniques such as 28S rRNA gene PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and phylogenetic and real-time PCR analyses. The predominant DGGE bands obtained from healthy algal thalli belonged to the Lindra, Lulworthia, Engyodontium, Sigmoidea/Corollospora complex, and Emericellopsis/Acremonium-like ribotypes. In the culture-based analysis the incidence of recovery was highest for Sigmoidea marina isolates. In general, the environmental sequences retrieved could be matched unambiguously to isolates recovered from the seaweed except for the Emericellopsis/Acremonium-like ribotype, which showed 99% homology with the sequences of four different isolates, including that of Acremonium fuci. To estimate the extent of colonization of A. fuci, we used a TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR assay for intron 3 of the beta-tubulin gene, the probe for which proved to be species specific even when it was used in amplifications with high background concentrations of other eukaryotic DNAs. The A. fuci sequence was detected with both healthy and decaying thalli, but the signal was stronger for the latter. Additional sequence types, representing members from the Dothideomycetes, were recovered from the decaying thallus DNA, which suggested that a change in fungal community structure had occurred. Phylogenetic analysis of these environmental sequences and the sequences of isolates and type species indicated that the environmental sequences were novel in the Dothideomycetes.

Characterization of unusual alkaliphilic gram-positive bacteria isolated from degraded brown alga thalluses

Two orange-pigmented Gram-positive, aerobic bacteria were isolated from enrichment culture during degradation of brown alga Fucus evanescens thalluses. In this work, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used to study the cell morphology. The non-contact mode imaging revealed unusual irregular coccoid shape of cells, possessing a single flagellum. Bacteria produced carotenoid pigments, were chemo-organotrophic, alkaliphilic and halo-tolerant growing well on nutrient media containing up to 15% NaCl. Growth temperature ranged from 5 to 45 degrees C. The DNA base compositions were 48 mol% G + C and the level of DNA similarity of two strains was conspecific (98%). A comparative phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strain KMM 3738 tightly clustered with recently described Planococcus maritimus (99.9% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). DNA-DNA hybridisation experiments revealed that DNA from the KMM 3738 showed 12-15% and 16-35% of genetic relatedness with the DNA of type strains of the genera Planomicrobium and Planococcus, respectively, and 87% with DNA from Planococcus maritimus, indicating that new isolates belong to the later species.

Genotypic variation in tolerance and resistance to fouling in the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus

In this study, we examined genetic variation in resistance and tolerance to fouling organisms in the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus. We first grew 30 algal genotypes in the field, where we allowed fouling organisms to colonise the genotypes at natural levels. We then conducted a manipulative experiment, where we grew 20 genotypes of algae in aquaria with or without fouling organisms. We measured host resistance as the load of fouling organisms and tolerance as the slope of the regression of algal performance on fouling level. Fouling organisms decreased host growth and contents of phlorotannins and thus have the potential to act as selective agents on algal defenses. We found significant among-genotype variation in both resistance and tolerance to fouling. We did not find a trade-off between resistance and tolerance. We found a marginally significant cost of resistance, but no cost of tolerance. Our results thus indicate that both the tolerance and resistance of F. vesiculosus can evolve as a response to fouling and that the costs of resistance may maintain genetic variation in resistance.

Brevibacterium celere sp. nov., isolated from degraded thallus of a brown alga

Two whitish yellow, Gram-positive, non-motile, aerobic bacteria were isolated from enrichment culture during degradation of the thallus of the brown alga Fucus evanescens. The bacteria studied were chemo-organotrophic, mesophilic and grew well on nutrient media containing up to 15 % (w/v) NaCl. The DNA G+C content was 61 mol%. The two isolates exhibited a conspecific DNA-DNA relatedness value of 98 %, indicating that they belong to the same species. A comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain KMM 3637(T) formed a distinct phyletic lineage in the genus Brevibacterium (family Brevibacteriaceae, class Actinobacteria) and showed the highest sequence similarity (about 97 %) to Brevibacterium casei. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments demonstrated 45 % binding with the DNA of B. casei DSM 20657(T). Physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics (meso-diaminopimelic acid in the peptidoglycan, major cellular fatty acids 15 : 0ai and 17 : 0ai) of the bacteria studied were consistent with the genomic and phylogenetic data. On the basis of the results of this study, a novel species, Brevibacterium celere sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is KMM 3637(T) (=DSM 15453(T)=ATCC BAA-809(T)).

Formosa algae gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family Flavobacteriaceae

Four light-yellow-pigmented, Gram-negative, short-rod-shaped, non-motile isolates were obtained from enrichment culture during degradation of the thallus of the brown alga Fucus evanescens. The isolates studied were chemo-organotrophic, alkalitolerant and mesophilic. Polar lipids were analysed and phosphatidylethanolamine was the only phospholipid identified. The predominant cellular fatty acids were 15 : 0, i15 : 0, ai15 : 0, i15 : 1 and 15 : 1(n-6). The DNA G+C contents of the four strains were 34.0-34.4 mol%. The level of DNA relatedness of the four isolates was conspecific (88-98 %), indicating that they belong to the same species. The 16S rDNA sequence of strain KMM 3553(T) was determined. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that KMM 3553(T) formed a distinct phyletic line in the phylum Bacteroidetes, class Flavobacteria in the family Flavobacteriaceae and that, phylogenetically, this strain could be placed almost equidistant from the genera Gelidibacter and Psychroserpens (16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 94 %). On the basis of significant differences in phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, it is suggested that the isolates represent a novel species in a new genus; the name Formosa algae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 3553(T) (=CIP 107684(T)).

Bacillus algicola sp. nov., a novel filamentous organism isolated from brown alga Fucus evanescens

A slightly yellowish, Gram-positive, filamentous with 'cross-like' branching, aerobic, spore-forming bacterium was isolated from enrichment culture during degradation of the thallus of the brown alga Fucus evanescens. The bacterium studied was chemoorganotrophic, tolerant to 3% NaCl, alkalitolerant, and alginolytic. The predominant cellular fatty acid was ai15:0 which accounted more than 65% of total fatty acids, while i14:0, il5:0 i16:0, and ai17:0 made up 25%. DNA base composition was 37 mol% GC. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA gene revealed that this isolate was a member of the genus Bacillus, with no close relatives at the species level (16S rRNA gene sequence similarity less 97%). On the basis of the significant differences demonstrated in the phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, it is suggested that the bacterium be classified as a novel species; the name Bacillus algicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMM 3737T (= CIP 107850T).

Molecular detection of ascomycetes associated with Fucus serratus

The association of ascomycetes with Fucus serratus was investigated by comparing the broad-based molecular and cultural diversities of healthy and dead fronds. Four PCR primer pairs were used to amplify the 18S (primers NS1-FR1; NS1-EF3) or 28S rRNA (primers NL209-NL912; NL359-NL912) genes directly from the DNA of algal thalli. Two novel primer pairs, NL209-NL912 and NL359-NL912 giving product sizes of 700 and 559 bp respectively, were designed to amplify the 28S rDNA from ascomycetes specifically. All primer combinations amplified DNA from 33 reference taxa isolated from Fucus serratus, and the products generated by primers NS1-FR1GC and NL359-NL912GC were separated in 18-38% and 38-60% denaturant gradients respectively after DGGE. The 18S rDNA DGGE system resolved eight bands from algal DNA, but many of the sequences separated were not fungal, whereas the 28S rDNA system resolved seven bands that were all identified as ascomycetes. Phylogenetic analysis and BLAST search results of environmental sequences revealed the presence of four main ascomycete groups: (1) the Halosphaeriales, (2) the Hypocreales, (3) an unidentified Lulworthiales complex, and (4) the Pleosporales. Few fungal isolates were detected molecularly suggesting that fungal colonisation of fronds was limited, mainly to species in dead casts.